Systems and methods for mobile music zones

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to facilitate portable playback of multimedia content are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a communication interface to send and receive data via a network connection, the data including multimedia content for playback. The example apparatus includes a memory to store instructions and data. The example apparatus includes a processor. The processor is to search for an available playback network and, if available, automatically connect to the playback network. The processor is to, in an absence of an available network, establish a mobile zone to facilitate multimedia content playback via the mobile zone. The processor is to automatically switch between the playback network and the mobile zone depending upon availability of the playback network to provide content playback via the portable playback device. The processor is to facilitate control and playback of content on the playback network via the portable playback device.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is related to consumer goods and, more particularly, tosystems, products, features, services, and other items directed to mediaplayback or some aspect thereof.

BACKGROUND

Technological advancements have increased the accessibility of musiccontent, as well as other types of media, such as television content,movies, and interactive content. For example, a user can access audio,video, or both audio and video content over the Internet through anonline store, an Internet radio station, a music service, a movieservice, and so on, in addition to the more traditional avenues ofaccessing audio and video content. Demand for audio, video, and bothaudio and video content inside and outside of the home continues toincrease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the presently disclosed technologyare better understood with regard to the following description, appendedclaims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of an example system in which embodimentsof the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be implemented;

FIG. 2A shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and speakers;

FIG. 2B shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and connected to external speakers;

FIG. 2C shows an illustration of an example zone player connected to anA/V receiver and speakers;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of an example controller;

FIG. 4 shows an internal functional block diagram of an example zoneplayer;

FIG. 5 shows an internal functional block diagram of an examplecontroller;

FIG. 6 shows an example ad-hoc playback network;

FIG. 7 shows a system including a plurality of networks including acloud-based network and at least one local playback network;

FIG. 8 shows an internal functional block diagram of an example portableplayer;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example playback network configuration including amobile device interfacing with one or more playback devices via anetwork; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram for an example method for zoneconfiguration and content playback via a portable playback device.

In addition, the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating exampleembodiments, but it is understood that the present disclosure is notlimited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Overview

Wired, wireless, or both types of networks are used to connect one ormore multimedia playback devices to establish a playback network in ahome (e.g., a home audio system) or other location. For example, anetwork, such as an ad-hoc network, is established in a home tofacilitate communications among a group of playback devices. Music andother types of multimedia content can be shared among the playbackdevices and/or groups of playback devices associated with a playbacknetwork. At least one of the playback devices may be removed from thead-hoc network to be used to playback audio at a different location,such as, for example, at a beach, park, on a boat, or in a hotel room.Once finished, the at least one playback device may be rejoined to thead-hoc network in a relatively seamless manner to the user.

Certain embodiments provide a method to provide portable playback ofaudio content regardless of network connection. The example methodincludes identifying, via a portable playback device, an availablenetwork for content playback. The example method includes automaticallyconnecting the portable playback device to the available playbacknetwork. The example method includes facilitating control and playbackof content on the playback network via the portable playback device. Theexample method includes establishing a mobile zone in an absence of anavailable playback network. The mobile zone is to facilitate localcontent playback in the mobile zone via the portable playback device.The example method includes automatically switching between an availableplayback network and the mobile zone to provide content playback via theportable playback device.

Certain embodiments provide an apparatus for portable playback ofmultimedia content, the apparatus portable by a user. The exampleapparatus includes a communication interface to send and receive datavia a network connection, the data including multimedia content forplayback. The example apparatus includes a memory to store instructionsand data. The example apparatus includes a processor. The exampleprocessor is to search for an available playback network and, ifavailable, automatically connect to the playback network. The exampleprocessor is to, in an absence of an available network, establish amobile zone, the mobile zone to facilitate multimedia content playbackvia the mobile zone. The example processor is to automatically switchbetween the playback network and the mobile zone depending uponavailability of the playback network to provide content playback via theportable playback device. The example processor is to facilitate controland playback of content on the playback network via the portableplayback device.

Certain embodiments provide a tangible computer readable storage mediumincluding instructions for execution by a processor, the instructions,when executed by the processor, implementing a portable playback system.The example system is arranged to search for an available playbacknetwork and, if available, automatically connect to the playbacknetwork. The example system is arranged to, in an absence of anavailable network, establish a mobile zone, the mobile zone tofacilitate multimedia content playback via the mobile zone. The examplesystem is arranged to automatically switch between the playback networkand the mobile zone depending upon availability of the playback networkto provide content playback via the portable playback device. Theexample system is arranged to facilitate control and playback of contenton the playback network via the portable playback device.

Many other embodiments are described herein to provide mobile music to auser.

II. An Example Operating Environment

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals can refer to likeparts throughout the figures, FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 inwhich one or more embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced orimplemented.

By way of illustration, system 100 represents a home presentlyconfigured with multiple zones, though the home could have beenconfigured with only one zone. Each zone in the home, for example, mayrepresent a different room or space, such as an office, bathroom,bedroom, kitchen, dining room, family room, home theater room, utilityor laundry room, and patio. A single zone might also include multiplerooms if so configured. One or more of zone players 102-124 are shown ineach respective zone of the home. A zone player 102-124, also referredto as a playback device, multimedia unit, speaker, player, and so on,provides audio, video, and/or audiovisual output. Controller 130provides control to system 100. Controller 130 may be fixed to a zone,or alternatively, mobile such that it can be moved about the zones.System 100 may also include more than one controller 130. System 100illustrates an example whole house audio system, though it is understoodthat the technology described herein is not limited to its particularplace of application or to an expansive system like a whole house audiosystem 100 of FIG. 1.

A. Example Zone Players

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show example types of zone players. Zone players200, 202, and 204 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively, can correspondto any of the zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1, for example. In someembodiments, audio is reproduced using only a single zone player, suchas by a full-range player. In some embodiments, audio is reproducedusing two or more zone players, such as by using a combination offull-range players or a combination of full-range and specializedplayers. In some embodiments, zone players 200-204 may also be referredto as a “smart speaker,” because they contain processing capabilitiesbeyond the reproduction of audio, more of which is described below.

FIG. 2A illustrates zone player 200 that includes sound producingequipment 208 capable of reproducing full-range sound. The sound maycome from an audio signal that is received and processed by zone player200 over a wired or wireless data network. Sound producing equipment 208includes one or more built-in amplifiers and one or more speakers. Abuilt-in amplifier is described more below with respect to FIG. 4. Aspeaker or acoustic transducer can include, for example, any of atweeter, a mid-range driver, a low-range driver, and a subwoofer. Insome embodiments, zone player 200 can be statically or dynamicallyconfigured to play stereophonic audio, monaural audio, or both. In someembodiments, zone player 200 is configured to reproduce a subset offull-range sound, such as when zone player 200 is grouped with otherzone players to play stereophonic audio, monaural audio, and/or surroundaudio or when the audio content received by zone player 200 is less thanfull-range.

FIG. 2B illustrates zone player 202 that includes a built-in amplifierto power a set of detached speakers 210. A detached speaker can include,for example, any type of loudspeaker. Zone player 202 may be configuredto power one, two, or more separate loudspeakers. Zone player 202 may beconfigured to communicate an audio signal (e.g., right and left channelaudio or more channels depending on its configuration) to the detachedspeakers 210 via a wired path.

FIG. 2C illustrates zone player 204 that does not include a built-inamplifier, but is configured to communicate an audio signal, receivedover a data network, to an audio (or “audio/video”) receiver 214 withbuilt-in amplification.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one, some, or all of thezone players 102 to 124 can retrieve audio directly from a source. Forexample, a zone player may contain a playlist or queue of audio items tobe played (also referred to herein as a “playback queue”). Each item inthe queue may comprise a uniform resource identifier (URI) or some otheridentifier. The URI or identifier can point the zone player to the audiosource. The source might be found on the Internet (e.g., the cloud),locally from another device over data network 128, the controller 130,stored on the zone player itself, or from an audio source communicatingdirectly to the zone player. In some embodiments, the zone player canreproduce the audio itself, send it to another zone player forreproduction, or both where the audio is played by the zone player andone or more additional zone players in synchrony. In some embodiments,the zone player can play a first audio content (or not play at all),while sending a second, different audio content to another zoneplayer(s) for reproduction.

By way of illustration, SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. presentlyoffers for sale zone players referred to as a “PLAY:5,” “PLAY:3,”“CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Any other past, present, and/orfuture zone players can additionally or alternatively be used toimplement the zone players of example embodiments disclosed herein.Additionally, it is understood that a zone player is not limited to theparticular examples illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C or to the SONOSproduct offerings. For example, a zone player may include a wired orwireless headphone. In yet another example, a zone player might includea sound bar for television. In yet another example, a zone player caninclude or interact with a docking station for an Apple IPOD™ or similardevice.

B. Example Controllers

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless controller 300 in docking station302. By way of illustration, controller 300 can correspond tocontrolling device 130 of FIG. 1. Docking station 302, if provided, maybe used to charge a battery of controller 300. In some embodiments,controller 300 is provided with a touch screen 304 that allows a user tointeract through touch with the controller 300, for example, to retrieveand navigate a playlist of audio items, control operations of one ormore zone players, and provide overall control of the systemconfiguration 100. In certain embodiments, any number of controllers canbe used to control the system configuration 100. In some embodiments,there can be a limit set on the number of controllers that can controlthe system configuration 100. The controllers might be wireless likewireless controller 300 or wired to data network 128.

In some embodiments, if more than one controller is used in system 100,then each controller may be coordinated to display common content, andmay all be dynamically updated to indicate changes made from a singlecontroller. Coordination might happen, for instance, by a controllerperiodically requesting a state variable directly or indirectly from oneor more zone players; the state variable may provide information aboutsystem 100, such as current zone group configuration, what is playing inone or more zones, volume levels, and other items of interest. The statevariable may be passed around on data network 128 between zone players(and controllers, if so desired) as needed or as often as programmed.

In addition, an application running on any network-enabled portabledevice, such as an IPHONE™, IPAD™, ANDROID™ powered phone, or any othersmart phone or network-enabled device can be used as controller 130. Anapplication running on a laptop or desktop personal computer (PC) orMac™ can also be used as controller 130. Such controllers may connect tosystem 100 through an interface with data network 128, a zone player, awireless router, or using some other configured connection path. Examplecontrollers offered by SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. include a“Controller 200,” “SONOS CONTROL,” “SONOS® Controller for IPHONE™,”“SONOS® Controller for IPAD™,” “SONOS® Controller for ANDROID™, “SONOS®Controller for MAC™ or PC.”

C. Example Data Connection

Zone players 102 to 124 of FIG. 1 are coupled directly or indirectly toa data network, such as data network 128. Controller 130 may also becoupled directly or indirectly to data network 128 or individual zoneplayers. Data network 128 is represented by an octagon in the figure tostand out from other representative components. While data network 128is shown in a single location, it is understood that such a network isdistributed in and around system 100. Particularly, data network 128 canbe a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both wiredand wireless networks. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers 102-124 are wirelessly coupled to data network 128 based on aproprietary mesh network. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers 102-124 are wirelessly coupled to data network 128 using anon-mesh topology. In some embodiments, one or more of the zone players102-124 are coupled via a wire to data network 128 using Ethernet orsimilar technology. In addition to the one or more zone players 102-124connecting to data network 128, data network 128 can further allowaccess to a wide area network, such as the Internet.

In some embodiments, connecting any of the zone players 102-124, or someother connecting device, to a broadband router, can create data network128. Other zone players 102-124 can then be added wired or wirelessly tothe data network 128. For example, a zone player (e.g., any of zoneplayers 102-124) can be added to the system configuration 100 by simplypressing a button on the zone player itself (or perform some otheraction), which enables a connection to be made to data network 128. Thebroadband router can be connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP),for example. The broadband router can be used to form another datanetwork within the system configuration 100, which can be used in otherapplications (e.g., web surfing). Data network 128 can also be used inother applications, if so programmed. An example, second network mayimplement SONOSNET™ protocol, developed by SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara.SONOSNET™ represents a secure, AES-encrypted, peer-to-peer wireless meshnetwork. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the data network 128 isthe same network, such as a traditional wired or wireless network, usedfor other applications in the household.

D. Example Zone Configurations

A particular zone can contain one or more zone players. For example, thefamily room of FIG. 1 contains two zone players 106 and 108, while thekitchen is shown with one zone player 102. In another example, the hometheater room contains additional zone players to play audio from a 5.1channel or greater audio source (e.g., a movie encoded with 5.1 orgreater audio channels). In some embodiments, one can position a zoneplayer in a room or space and assign the zone player to a new orexisting zone via controller 130. As such, zones may be created,combined with another zone, removed, and given a specific name (e.g.,“Kitchen”), if so desired and programmed to do so with controller 130.Moreover, in some embodiments, zone configurations may be dynamicallychanged even after being configured using controller 130 or some othermechanism.

In some embodiments, if a zone contains two or more zone players, suchas the two zone players 106 and 108 in the family room, then the twozone players 106 and 108 can be configured to play the same audio sourcein synchrony, or the two zone players 106 and 108 can be paired to playtwo separate sounds in left and right channels, for example. In otherwords, the stereo effects of a sound can be reproduced or enhancedthrough the two zone players 106 and 108, one for the left sound and theother for the right sound. In certain embodiments, paired zone players(also referred to as “bonded zone players”) can play audio in synchronywith other zone players in the same or different zones.

In some embodiments, two or more zone players can be sonicallyconsolidated to form a single, consolidated zone player. A consolidatedzone player (though made up of multiple, separate devices) can beconfigured to process and reproduce sound differently than anunconsolidated zone player or zone players that are paired, because aconsolidated zone player will have additional speaker drivers from whichsound can be passed. The consolidated zone player can further be pairedwith a single zone player or yet another consolidated zone player. Eachplayback device of a consolidated playback device can be set in aconsolidated mode, for example.

According to some embodiments, one can continue to do any of: group,consolidate, and pair zone players, for example, until a desiredconfiguration is complete. The actions of grouping, consolidation, andpairing are preferably performed through a control interface, such asusing controller 130, and not by physically connecting and re-connectingspeaker wire, for example, to individual, discrete speakers to createdifferent configurations. As such, certain embodiments described hereinprovide a more flexible and dynamic platform through which soundreproduction can be offered to the end-user.

E. Example Audio Sources

In some embodiments, each zone can play from the same audio source asanother zone or each zone can play from a different audio source. Forexample, someone can be grilling on the patio and listening to jazzmusic via zone player 124, while someone is preparing food in thekitchen and listening to classical music via zone player 102. Further,someone can be in the office listening to the same jazz music via zoneplayer 110 that is playing on the patio via zone player 124. In someembodiments, the jazz music played via zone players 110 and 124 isplayed in synchrony. Synchronizing playback amongst zones allows forsomeone to pass through zones while seamlessly (or substantiallyseamlessly) listening to the audio. Further, zones can be put into a“party mode” such that all associated zones will play audio insynchrony.

Sources of audio content to be played by zone players 102-124 arenumerous. In some embodiments, music on a zone player itself may beaccessed and a played. In some embodiments, music from a personallibrary stored on a computer or networked-attached storage (NAS) may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. In some embodiments,Internet radio stations, shows, and podcasts can be accessed via thedata network 128. Music or cloud services that let a user stream and/ordownload music and audio content can be accessed via the data network128. Further, music can be obtained from traditional sources, such as aturntable or CD player, via a line-in connection to a zone player, forexample. Audio content can also be accessed using a different protocol,such as AIRPLAY™, which is a wireless technology by Apple, Inc., forexample. Audio content received from one or more sources can be sharedamongst the zone players 102 to 124 via data network 128 and/orcontroller 130. The above-disclosed sources of audio content arereferred to herein as network-based audio information sources. However,network-based audio information sources are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the example home theater zone players 116, 118, 120are coupled to an audio information source such as a television 132. Insome examples, the television 132 is used as a source of audio for thehome theater zone players 116, 118, 120, while in other examples audioinformation from the television 132 can be shared with any of the zoneplayers 102-124 in the audio system 100.

III. Zone Players

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an example block diagram of azone player 400 in accordance with an embodiment. Zone player 400includes a network interface 402, a processor 408, a memory 410, anaudio processing component 412, one or more modules 414, an audioamplifier 416, and a speaker unit 418 coupled to the audio amplifier416. FIG. 2A shows an example illustration of such a zone player. Othertypes of zone players may not include the speaker unit 418 (e.g., suchas shown in FIG. 2B) or the audio amplifier 416 (e.g., such as shown inFIG. 2C). Further, it is contemplated that the zone player 400 can beintegrated into another component. For example, the zone player 400could be constructed as part of a television, lighting, or some otherdevice for indoor or outdoor use.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 facilitates a data flowbetween zone player 400 and other devices on a data network 128. In someembodiments, in addition to getting audio from another zone player ordevice on data network 128, zone player 400 may access audio directlyfrom the audio source, such as over a wide area network or on the localnetwork. In some embodiments, the network interface 402 can furtherhandle the address part of each packet so that it gets to the rightdestination or intercepts packets destined for the zone player 400.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, each of the packets includes anInternet Protocol (IP)-based source address as well as an IP-baseddestination address.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 can include one or both of awireless interface 404 and a wired interface 406. The wireless interface404, also referred to as a radio frequency (RF) interface, providesnetwork interface functions for the zone player 400 to wirelesslycommunicate with other devices (e.g., other zone player(s), speaker(s),receiver(s), component(s) associated with the data network 128, and soon) in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., any wirelessstandards including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15).Wireless interface 404 may include one or more radios. To receivewireless signals and to provide the wireless signals to the wirelessinterface 404 and to transmit wireless signals, the zone player 400includes one or more antennas 420. The wired interface 406 providesnetwork interface functions for the zone player 400 to communicate overa wire with other devices in accordance with a communication protocol(e.g., IEEE 802.3). In some embodiments, a zone player includes both ofthe interfaces 404 and 406. In some embodiments, a zone player 400includes only the wireless interface 404 or the wired interface 406.

In some embodiments, the processor 408 is a clock-driven electronicdevice that is configured to process input data according toinstructions stored in memory 410. The memory 410 is data storage thatcan be loaded with one or more software module(s) 414, which can beexecuted by the processor 408 to achieve certain tasks. In theillustrated embodiment, the memory 410 is a tangible machine-readablemedium storing instructions that can be executed by the processor 408.In some embodiments, a task might be for the zone player 400 to retrieveaudio data from another zone player or a device on a network (e.g.,using a uniform resource locator (URL) or some other identifier). Insome embodiments, a task may be for the zone player 400 to send audiodata to another zone player or device on a network. In some embodiments,a task might be for the zone player 400 to synchronize playback of audiowith one or more additional zone players. In some embodiments, a taskmight be to pair the zone player 400 with one or more zone players tocreate a multi-channel audio environment. Additional or alternativetasks can be achieved via the one or more software module(s) 414 and theprocessor 408.

The audio processing component 412 can include one or moredigital-to-analog converters (DAC), an audio preprocessing component, anaudio enhancement component or a digital signal processor, and so on. Insome embodiments, the audio processing component 412 may be part ofprocessor 408. In some embodiments, the audio that is retrieved via thenetwork interface 402 is processed and/or intentionally altered by theaudio processing component 412. Further, the audio processing component412 can produce analog audio signals. The processed analog audio signalsare then provided to the audio amplifier 416 for play back throughspeakers 418. In addition, the audio processing component 412 caninclude circuitry to process analog or digital signals as inputs to playfrom zone player 400, send to another zone player on a network, or bothplay and send to another zone player on the network. An example inputincludes a line-in connection (e.g., an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audioline-in connection).

The audio amplifier 416 is a device(s) that amplifies audio signals to alevel for driving one or more speakers 418. The one or more speakers 418can include an individual transducer (e.g., a “driver”) or a completespeaker system that includes an enclosure including one or more drivers.A particular driver can be a subwoofer (e.g., for low frequencies), amid-range driver (e.g., for middle frequencies), and a tweeter (e.g.,for high frequencies), for example. An enclosure can be sealed orported, for example. Each transducer may be driven by its own individualamplifier.

A commercial example, presently known as the PLAY:5, is a zone playerwith a built-in amplifier and speakers that is capable of retrievingaudio directly from the source, such as on the Internet or on the localnetwork, for example. In particular, the PLAY:5 is a five-amp,five-driver speaker system that includes two tweeters, two mid-rangedrivers, and one woofer. When playing audio content via the PLAY:5, theleft audio data of a track is sent out of the left tweeter and leftmid-range driver, the right audio data of a track is sent out of theright tweeter and the right mid-range driver, and mono bass is sent outof the subwoofer. Further, both mid-range drivers and both tweeters havethe same equalization (or substantially the same equalization). That is,they are both sent the same frequencies, just from different channels ofaudio. Audio from Internet radio stations, online music and videoservices, downloaded music, analog audio inputs, television, DVD, and soon, can be played from the PLAY:5.

IV. Controller

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an example block diagram forcontroller 500, which can correspond to the controlling device 130 inFIG. 1. Controller 500 can be used to facilitate the control ofmulti-media applications, automation and others in a system. Inparticular, the controller 500 may be configured to facilitate aselection of a plurality of audio sources available on the network andenable control of one or more zone players (e.g., the zone players102-124 in FIG. 1) through a wireless or wired network interface 508.According to one embodiment, the wireless communications is based on anindustry standard (e.g., infrared, radio, wireless standards includingIEEE 802.11a, 802.11b 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15, and so on). Further,when a particular audio is being accessed via the controller 500 orbeing played via a zone player, a picture (e.g., album art) or any otherdata, associated with the audio and/or audio source can be transmittedfrom a zone player or other electronic device to controller 500 fordisplay.

Controller 500 is provided with a screen 502 and an input interface 514that allows a user to interact with the controller 500, for example, tonavigate a playlist of many multimedia items and to control operationsof one or more zone players. The screen 502 on the controller 500 can bean LCD screen, for example. The screen 500 communicates with and iscommanded by a screen driver 504 that is controlled by a microcontroller(e.g., a processor) 506. The memory 510 can be loaded with one or moreapplication modules 512 that can be executed by the microcontroller 506with or without a user input via the user interface 514 to achievecertain tasks. In some embodiments, an application module 512 isconfigured to facilitate grouping a number of selected zone players intoa zone group and synchronizing the zone players for audio play back. Insome embodiments, an application module 512 is configured to control theaudio sounds (e.g., volume) of the zone players in a zone group. Inoperation, when the microcontroller 506 executes one or more of theapplication modules 512, the screen driver 504 generates control signalsto drive the screen 502 to display an application specific userinterface accordingly.

The controller 500 includes a network interface 508 that facilitateswired or wireless communication with a zone player. In some embodiments,the commands such as volume control and audio playback synchronizationare sent via the network interface 508. In some embodiments, a savedzone group configuration is transmitted between a zone player and acontroller via the network interface 508. The controller 500 can controlone or more zone players, such as 102-124 of FIG. 1. There can be morethan one controller for a particular system and each controller mayshare common information with another controller, or retrieve the commoninformation from a zone player, if such a zone player storesconfiguration data (e.g., such as a state variable). Further, acontroller can be integrated into a zone player.

It should be noted that other network-enabled devices such as anIPHONE®, IPAD® or any other smart phone or network-enabled device (e.g.,a networked computer such as a PC or Mac®) can also be used as acontroller to interact or control zone players in a particularenvironment. In some embodiments, a software application or upgrade canbe downloaded onto a network-enabled device to perform the functionsdescribed herein.

In certain embodiments, a user can create a zone group (also referred toas a bonded zone) including at least two zone players from thecontroller 500. The zone players in the zone group can play audio in asynchronized fashion, such that all of the zone players in the zonegroup play back an identical audio source or a list of identical audiosources in a synchronized manner such that no (or substantially no)audible delays or hiccups could be heard. Similarly, in someembodiments, when a user increases the audio volume of the group fromthe controller 500, the signals or data of increasing the audio volumefor the group are sent to one of the zone players and causes other zoneplayers in the group to be increased together in volume.

A user via the controller 500 can group zone players into a zone groupby activating a “Link Zones” or “Add Zone” soft button, or de-group azone group by activating an “Unlink Zones” or “Drop Zone” button. Forexample, one mechanism for ‘joining’ zone players together for audioplay back is to link a number of zone players together to form a group.To link a number of zone players together, a user can manually link eachzone player or room one after the other. For example, assume that thereis a multi-zone system that includes the following zones: Bathroom,Bedroom, Den, Dining Room, Family Room, and Foyer.

In certain embodiments, a user can link any number of the six zoneplayers, for example, by starting with a single zone and then manuallylinking each zone to that zone.

In certain embodiments, a set of zones can be dynamically linkedtogether using a command to create a zone scene or theme (subsequent tofirst creating the zone scene). For instance, a “Morning” zone scenecommand can link the Bedroom, Office, and Kitchen zones together in oneaction. Without this single command, the user would manually andindividually link each zone. The single command might include a mouseclick, a double mouse click, a button press, a gesture, or some otherprogrammed action. Other kinds of zone scenes can be programmed.

In certain embodiments, a zone scene can be triggered based on time(e.g., an alarm clock function). For instance, a zone scene can be setto apply at 8:00 am. The system can link appropriate zonesautomatically, set specific music to play, and then stop the music aftera defined duration. Although any particular zone can be triggered to an“On” or “Off” state based on time, for example, a zone scene enables anyzone(s) linked to the scene to play a predefined audio (e.g., afavorable song, a predefined playlist) at a specific time and/or for aspecific duration. If, for any reason, the scheduled music failed to beplayed (e.g., an empty playlist, no connection to a share, failedUniversal Plug and Play (UPnP), no Internet connection for an InternetRadio station, and so on), a backup buzzer can be programmed to sound.The buzzer can include a sound file that is stored in a zone player, forexample.

V. Example Ad-Hoc Network

Certain particular examples are now provided in connection with FIG. 6to describe, for purposes of illustration, certain systems and methodsto provide and facilitate connection to a playback network. FIG. 6 showsthat there are three zone players 602, 604 and 606 and a controller 608that form a network branch that is also referred to as an Ad-Hoc network610. The network 610 may be wireless, wired, or a combination of wiredand wireless. In general, an Ad-Hoc (or “spontaneous”) network is alocal area network or other small network in which there is generally noone access point for all traffic. With an established Ad-Hoc network610, the devices 602, 604, 606 and 608 can all communicate with eachother in a “peer-to-peer” style of communication, for example.Furthermore, devices may come/and go from the network 610, and thenetwork 610 will automatically reconfigure itself without needing theuser to reconfigure the network 610. While an Ad-Hoc network isreferenced in FIG. 6, it is understood that a playback network may bebased on a type of network that is completely or partially differentfrom an Ad-Hoc network.

Using the Ad-Hoc network 610, the devices 602, 604, 606, and 608 canshare or exchange one or more audio sources and be dynamically groupedto play the same or different audio sources. For example, the devices602 and 604 are grouped to playback one piece of music, and at the sametime, the device 606 plays back another piece of music. In other words,the devices 602, 604, 606 and 608, as shown in FIG. 6, form a HOUSEHOLDthat distributes audio and/or reproduces sound. As used herein, the termHOUSEHOLD (provided in uppercase letters to disambiguate from the user'sdomicile) is used to represent a collection of networked devices thatare cooperating to provide an application or service. An instance of aHOUSEHOLD is identified with a household 610 (or household identifier),though a HOUSEHOLD may be identified with a different area or place.

In certain embodiments, a household identifier (HHID) is a short stringor an identifier that is computer-generated to help ensure that it isunique. Accordingly, the network 610 can be characterized by a uniqueHHID and a unique set of configuration variables or parameters, such aschannels (e.g., respective frequency bands), SSID (a sequence ofalphanumeric characters as a name of a wireless network), and WEP keys(wired equivalent privacy or other security keys). In certainembodiments, SSID is set to be the same as HHID.

In certain embodiments, each HOUSEHOLD includes two types of networknodes: a control point (CP) and a zone player (ZP). The control pointcontrols an overall network setup process and sequencing, including anautomatic generation of required network parameters (e.g., WEP keys). Inan embodiment, the CP also provides the user with a HOUSEHOLDconfiguration user interface. The CP function can be provided by acomputer running a CP application module, or by a handheld controller(e.g., the controller 308) also running a CP application module, forexample. The zone player is any other device on the network that isplaced to participate in the automatic configuration process. The ZP, asa notation used herein, includes the controller 608 or a computingdevice, for example. In some embodiments, the functionality, or certainparts of the functionality, in both the CP and the ZP are combined at asingle node (e.g., a ZP contains a CP or vice-versa).

In certain embodiments, configuration of a HOUSEHOLD involves multipleCPs and ZPs that rendezvous and establish a known configuration suchthat they can use a standard networking protocol (e.g., IP over Wired orWireless Ethernet) for communication. In an embodiment, two types ofnetworks/protocols are employed: Ethernet 802.3 and Wireless 802.11g.Interconnections between a CP and a ZP can use either of thenetworks/protocols. A device in the system as a member of a HOUSEHOLDcan connect to both networks simultaneously.

In an environment that has both networks in use, it is assumed that atleast one device in a system is connected to both as a bridging device,thus providing bridging services between wired/wireless networks forothers. The zone player 606 in FIG. 6 is shown to be connected to bothnetworks, for example. The connectivity to the network 612 is based onEthernet and/or Wireless, while the connectivity to other devices 602,604 and 608 is based on Wireless and Ethernet if so desired.

It is understood, however, that in some embodiments each zone player606, 604, 602 may access the Internet when retrieving media from thecloud (e.g., Internet) via the bridging device. For example, zone player602 may contain a uniform resource locator (URL) that specifies anaddress to a particular audio track in the cloud. Using the URL, thezone player 602 may retrieve the audio track from the cloud, andultimately play the audio out of one or more zone players.

VI. Mobile Music

In the example system such as the one shown in FIG. 1, 6, or 7 where aSONOS system including one or more playback devices and one or morecontrollers is connected together in a local area network (LAN), theability to move the audio experience into and away from the homelocation in a seamless or substantially seamless fashion to the user maybe valuable. For example, according to some embodiments, a portableplayback device allows a user to move the audio experience from the homelocation to a location where the user goes, such as to the beach, park,hotel, friend's house, boat, car, or generally wherever the user decidesto go. Further, the ability of a portable device to extend the audioexperience from the home location to an on-the-go experience, such asgoing to the beach or park, walking, or jogging, in a seamless orsubstantially seamless fashion may be valuable.

A. Example Portable Playback Device

In an embodiment, a portable playback device includes a zone playerdescribed in FIGS. 2 and 4. In an embodiment, the portable playbackdevice includes a broadband interface to connect directly to theInternet without first connecting to a LAN using the wireless or wiredinterface. In another embodiment, the portable playback device includesa Bluetooth or other wireless interface to be paired to a mobile devicesuch as a smart phone, tablet computer, or laptop. In yet anotherembodiment, the portable playback device includes a battery pack so thatthe playback device does not need to be connected to a mains service tooperate. In yet another embodiment, the portable playback deviceincludes built-in control functionality of the controller described inFIGS. 3 and 5, such as a display screen and input interface to enableuser configuration and control of the playback device or system ofplayback devices. In yet another embodiment, the portable playbackdevice is designed to withstand certain weather and outdoor conditions.

Like the example zone player 400 of FIG. 4, the example portable player800 of FIG. 8 includes a processor 408, memory 410, an audio processingcomponent 412, a module 414, an audio amplifier 416, speakers 418, andone or more antenna(s) 420. These components are discussed in moredetail above. More or less components may be included depending on thedesired configuration. The example portable player 800 includes anetwork interface 802 including a wireless interface 404, wiredinterface 406, and broadband interface 804. The wireless interface 404and wired interface 406 are discussed above. The broadband interface 804provides broadband Internet access based on industry standards such as3G or 4G or Bluetooth, for example. The example portable player 800includes a battery pack 806 to provide power to the device when notusing mains input. The battery pack may use a single battery or acollection of batteries and the batteries may be rechargeable ornon-rechargeable. The control interface 808 includes a display screen810 and an input interface 812. The display screen 800 may be an LCDscreen, for example. The input interface 812 may be a touch panelinterface, a hard button interface, a capacitive or resistive touchinterface with corresponding soft keys that may or may not be present(e.g., visible) at all times, and so on.

By way of illustration, a portable playback device might include aplayback device capable of being carried around by a person (e.g., anexisting SONOS PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 can be carried and may further beconfigured via software to operate as a portable playback device), aplayback device designed for portability (e.g., one that is easilycarried and/or battery powered), a playback device designed for outdooruse, a smart phone configured to operate such as described herein withspeakers and/or an audio output, similarly, a tablet with speakersand/or an audio output, an existing zone player that is modified viahardware and/or software to operate as a portable playback device, andso on.

In some embodiments, the portable playback device provides an ambientsound solution. For example, the portable playback device may be usedalone and/or in conjunction with one or more other playback devices tocreate a sound space. A sound space is an area that has a particularsound texture, for example. Rather than outputting sound to a largespace, the portable playback device may shape or focus an output soundfor listening in a portion of a room or other space. For example, anorientation, position, output parameter, and/or other setting of theportable playback device may be used to focus and/or otherwise shapesound output by the portable playback device into a surrounding space.In an embodiment, the portable playback device may be used to provide anambient sound solution when connected to a home audio playback system,but otherwise used as a full-range or mostly full-range loudspeakersystem.

In some embodiments, the portable playback device has multiple powermodes. For example, in addition to normal powering mode, the portableplayer may operate in a low-power mode. This can be used, for example,when operating in mobile mode and/or when operating with a battery. Inanother example, the portable player may have on/off capability or astandby mode. For example, the portable player may have a useraccessible button or other user interface to turn off and/or put theportable player into standby mode. In another example, the portableplayer has its own power management intelligence to shut down and/or gointo standby mode.

B. Portability

In some embodiments, a portable playback device is added to a homenetwork or HOUSEHOLD, such as described above with respect to FIGS. 1and 6, for example. Adding a zone player such as a portable playbackdevice to a home network may be accomplished for example via minimumhuman intervention in which a button press on the device, or some otheruser action, subsequent to initiating a “join household” procedure on acontroller enables the portable playback device to join the network(e.g., join a SONOSNET™ network). In some embodiments, other methods ofjoining the portable playback device to the home network may beemployed.

In some embodiments, when a zone player such as a portable playbackdevice joins a home network, it is provided with a globally uniquesystem identifier (e.g., household ID or HHID) that identifies theplayback network. The system identifier may be determined when theplayback network is first established and all devices (e.g., zoneplayers and controllers) in a playback network have the same systemidentifier.

Once the portable playback device joins the home network, it can beassigned to a room or zone and incorporated into the audio system. Forinstance, the portable playback device may be assigned to the kitchenand form a kitchen zone, if a kitchen zone is not already established.In another instance, the portable playback device may be assigned to aportable zone that is moved about the house without a fixed location. Inanother instance, the portable playback device may be configured to playwith other players in an established zone group, such as in synchrony orin stereo pair with another player In yet another instance, the portableplayback device is used to provide ambient sound. In another instance,the portable playback device is used to provide more directed sound.

Similar to other zone players in the example system, the portableplayback device may be dynamically reconfigured to another zone or zonegroup. This may be done by a user using a user interface on a controlleror player, or by some other mechanism. For example, the portableplayback device might be moved from the kitchen zone to the family roomzone. In one embodiment, the user can use a controller to make thesystem change by reassigning the portable player to the family roomzone. In another embodiment, the portable playback device can be addedto another zone without using the controller by using a button-presscombination on the portable playback device and a zone player that isalready part of that zone. In yet another embodiment, proximitydetection may be used to automatically join the portable playback deviceto a zone or zone group.

In some embodiments, the playback system makes use of a state variablethat maintains information about the playback system, for example, theidentification of zone players on the home network, the zone groupconfigurations, and other aspects may be stored in the state variable.The state variable is known, configured, or learned throughcommunication between devices in a home network. The zone playersautomatically update the state variable when they join and/or disengagefrom the various zone groups to reflect the change in membership of therespective groups. The zone players may also update the state variablewhen a device, such as the portable playback device, leaves or comesback within the network range. The state variable may be provided, uponrequest or periodically, to a controller to notify the user of thecurrent system configuration.

In some embodiments, when a portable playback device is powered off andpower is subsequently restored to the device, the portable playbackdevice is programmed to automatically rejoin the playback network. Forexample, when power is restored in a portable playback device that ispart of a playback network, the device uses the state variable toidentify the playback network to be re-joined. Once the device hasjoined the playback network, it can, in some embodiments, query a zoneplayer or a controller in the network for system information and updatethe state variable accordingly.

When a portable playback device leaves the playback network, the systemcan detect without user input that the player is missing and thereforeupdate the state variable accordingly. For example, if the portableplayback device is powered off or carried outside of the network range,then the system determines that the playback device has left andcommunication with the portable player has stopped over the localnetwork. In some embodiments, the user is notified via a controller thatthe portable playback device is no longer connected to the home playbacknetwork.

In some embodiments, the zone players of the home playback networkautomatically reconfigure themselves to account for the missing portableplayback device. For example, upon detecting that a portable playbackdevice is missing and the portable playback device was in stereo pair,the remaining player will temporarily remove the stereo pairing and playthe full-range audio. When the portable playback device is returned tothe home network, the stereo pairing may be automatically re-engaged andthe two players will play in stereo pair (e.g., right and left channelor some other multi-channel audio). Other zone player configurations maybe automatically modified to deal with a missing player, such as volumechanges (e.g., increase the volume of remaining players to make up for amissing portable player), EQ changes, channel routing changes, frequencychanges, and so on. When the portable player is returned, then thesystem may resort back to its previous settings.

When the portable playback device is moved outside of the range of theplayback network and can no longer connect to an existing playbacknetwork (e.g., it falls outside of the wireless range), the portableplayback device remains able to operate and play back content. In oneembodiment, the state variable stored in the playback device may updateto reflect that it is no longer part of the home network and mustestablish its own mechanism to get audio. As such, the portable playbackdevice may be able to connect to, or establish, a playback network (suchas in the home) and to connect to, or establish, a mobile zone to playmultimedia content via the portable playback device (such as a locationaway from the home). For example, the portable playback device, when outof the range of the household playback network, can access musicdirectly via cloud-based storage, via local storage (e.g., a mobilephone, tablet computer, and so on), via a streaming source (e.g., from amobile phone, tablet computer, and so on), or some other means describedherein.

In some embodiments, more than one portable playback device may bejoined to the mobile zone. For example, a user may desire greater stereoseparation and therefore add a second portable playback device to themobile zone and stereo pair the two devices wirelessly. In anotherexample, a user may wish to play two or more devices in synchrony whileconnected via the mobile zone. To do so, each playback device that isjoined to the mobile zone may share a state variable indicating theconfiguration setup mobile network ID.

In some embodiments, at least two separate system IDs are maintained bythe portable playback device. For instance, a Home Network System ID(HHID 1) and a mobile network ID (HHID 2) is maintained and stored atthe portable playback device. In an embodiment, if a portable playbackdevice can see devices from both systems (e.g., it detects a networkfrom each of HHID 1 and HHID 2), then the device will join by default,for example, to the Home network system with system ID HHID 1. However,if a portable playback device can only recognize one system, then thedevice will join that system. In an embodiment, a controller, used tocontrol both networks, is preferably updated to indicate what networkthe portable playback device is currently joined.

C. Control

As described above, in some embodiments, when a user configures theplayback network, such as to configure zone groups, establish a stereopairing, establish a subwoofer pairing, and so on, a state variable thatdescribes the system configuration is updated to reflect the change inconfiguration. The state variable may then be stored at one or more ofthe playback devices and retrieved by a controller when needed.

In some embodiments, when a portable playback device is part of the homenetwork, the controller can display system and playback information ofthe home network to the user. When, the portable playback device is notpart of the home network, the controller may likewise display the systemand playback information of the home network to the user.

In some embodiments, the controller interface adapts depending onwhether it is connected to the home network or whether the controller(like the portable playback device) is outside of the home network. Forexample, when the controller is connected to the home playback network,it may display all of the usual information associated with the homeplayback network like zones and zone groups. However, when thecontroller is away from the home playback network, but in communicationwith the portable playback device, it may alter its screen to show lessinformation about the home network and more information about theportable playback device or mobile music zone (if additional portableplayback devices are paired). For example, the controller might show a“mobile zone” or some other identifier. A user can interact with themobile zone like he or she would with a zone at home.

In some embodiments, information about the home playback network is alsodisplayed on the controller if the controller and/or portable playbackdevice is connected to the cloud. For example, in an embodiment, theportable playback device may connect to the home playback network viathe cloud and therefore become an extension to the home network. Assuch, the information about the home network may also be displayed onthe controller interface. In certain embodiments, a user may manage thehome network from afar via the cloud.

D. Content Access

In some embodiments, audio content can come from the controller (e.g., asmart phone or some other computing device), another computing devicewith “Play to” the portable playback device functionality, a USB drive,a local storage drive, and the cloud. The cloud generally includes theInternet and any cloud based storage or service solutions.

In some embodiments, the controller, using account credentials, can getaudio from the cloud and direct the content to the portable playbackdevice.

In some embodiments, the portable playback device maintains accountcredentials; either from the home network or a guest credential, toretrieve audio content from the cloud.

In some embodiments, a portable playback device uses wirelesscommunications to communicate with a controller and/or a network. Forexample, the portable playback device might contain similar wirelesscapabilities as a zone player, in addition to cellular capability. Sucha portable playback device might implement 4G mobile communicationstandards or later, for example, to retrieve audio content. A portableplayback device might also utilize the Bluetooth standards to get audiofrom the controller or computing device.

E. Example Network Illustrations

FIG. 9 illustrates an example playback network 900 configurationincluding a mobile device 910 configured to interface with one or moreplayback devices 930-931 via a network 920. The mobile device 910 canconnect with an existing playback network 920 and/or can establish amobile playback network to provide content to and/or retrieve contentfrom one or more playback devices 930-931. The mobile device 910 isconnected to the network 920 and allows the mobile device 910 tofacilitate playback of content (e.g., audio content, such as music) viaone or more of the playback devices 930-931 and/or the mobile device 910forming part of the network. Through a connection to the network 920,the mobile device 910 may be used to control one or more playbackdevices 930-931, for example. Through a connection to the network 920,one or more playback devices 930-931 may be used to control the mobiledevice 910, for example. Through a connection to the network 920facilitated by the mobile device 910, one or both of the mobile device910 and one or more playback devices 930-931 may be used to browsecontent available for playback, for example.

F. Example Method Illustrations

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram for an example method 1000 for zoneconfiguration and content playback via a portable playback device.

At block 1005, the portable playback device looks for an availableplayback network. For example, a portable zone player looks for ahousehold or other building playback network to which it can connect. Atblock 1010, if the portable playback device is within a playback network(e.g., a household playback network), the portable playback deviceconnects to the existing playback network.

At block 1015, control of content playback over the playback network isfacilitated via the portable playback device. For example, the portableplayback device may be synchronized with one or more playback devicesalso connected to the playback network. For example, the portableplayback device may synchronize with one or more zone players on ahousehold network such that the one or more zone players may playbackcontent at the command of the portable playback device.

At block 1020, playback of content is facilitated via the playbacknetwork. For example, content available on or via the portable playbackdevice is browsed. Content may be browsed using the portable playbackdevice, a separate controller, one or more other playback devicesconnected to the playback network, and so on. Content may be selectedfor playback. For example, a song may be selected from a menu at oravailable from the docked portable playback device. Selected content isthen played back through one or more playback devices connected to thenetwork. For example, a selected song from the portable playback deviceis played via one or more zone players on the playback network.

At block 1025, the portable playback device is removed from the playbacknetwork. For example, the portable playback device is carried out ofrange of the household playback network by a user. At block 1030,absence of a playback network is detected by the portable playbackdevice. For example, the portable playback device detects when it can nolonger communicate via the playback network to which it was connected.

At block 1035, the portable playback device searches for a mobilenetwork. For example, after being disconnected or otherwise removed fromthe previous playback network, the portable playback device searches foranother network to which it can connect. If the portable device detectsan available network, the device attempts a connection, as describedabove.

At block 1040, however, if no available playback network is detected, amobile network is established by the portable playback device. Forexample, the portable playback device establishes a mobile zone forplayback of content via the portable playback device. The portableplayback device can connect to a cloud-based storage, a streamingservice, access data stored locally on the portable playback deviceand/or other user device such as a smart phone and so on, to providecontent for playback over the mobile network/zone.

At block 1045, playback and control of content are facilitated via themobile network by the portable playback device. For example, content,playlist, volume, timing, sound shaping, and so on may be configured andfacilitated for the mobile zone via the portable playback device.Another playback device can connect to the mobile zone to providecontent, receive content for playback, and so on. A dynamic mobile zonegroup configuration may be facilitated via the mobile, ad hoc networkenabled by the portable playback device, for example.

VII. Conclusion

The description discloses various example systems, methods, apparatus,and articles of manufacture including, among other components, firmwareand/or software executed on hardware. However, such examples are merelyillustrative and should not be considered as limiting. For example, itis contemplated that any or all of these firmware, hardware, and/orsoftware components could be embodied exclusively in hardware,exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combinationof hardware, software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, while the followingdescribes example systems, methods, apparatus, and/or articles ofmanufacture, the examples provided are not the only way(s) to implementsuch systems, methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture.

Additionally, reference herein to “embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment can be included in at least one example embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of this phrase in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. As such, the embodiments described herein, explicitly andimplicitly understood by one skilled in the art, can be combined withother embodiments.

The specification is presented largely in terms of illustrativeenvironments, systems, procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, andother symbolic representations that directly or indirectly resemble theoperations of data processing devices coupled to networks. These processdescriptions and representations are typically used by those skilled inthe art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to othersskilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it isunderstood to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be practiced without certain, specific details.In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, andcircuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of thepresent disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than theforgoing description of embodiments.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely softwareand/or firmware implementation, at least one of the elements in at leastone example is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible mediumsuch as a memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, and so on, storing the softwareand/or firmware.

We claim:
 1. A method to provide mobile playback of content regardlessof network connection, the method comprising: identifying, via aportable playback device, an available network for content playback;automatically connecting the portable playback device to the availableplayback network; facilitating control and playback of content on theplayback network via the portable playback device; establishing a mobilezone in an absence of an available playback network, the mobile zone tofacilitate local content playback in the mobile zone via the portableplayback device; and automatically switching between an availableplayback network and the mobile zone to provide content playback via theportable playback device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein contentincluding audio tracks is stored on the portable playback device forplayback.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein content includes streamedaudio provided for playback via the portable playback device.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein one or more additional playback devices arealso connected to the playback network and wherein content playbackoccurs at the one or more additional playback devices via control fromthe portable playback device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein themobile network comprises a wireless ad-hoc network established tofacilitate communications among a plurality of devices including theportable playback device.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprisingfacilitating sharing of multimedia content among at least one ofplayback devices and groups of playback devices associated with themobile network.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising shaping acharacteristic of sound playback from the portable playback device basedon at least one of an orientation and a setting of the portable playbackdevice.
 8. An apparatus for portable playback of multimedia content, theapparatus portable by a user, the apparatus comprising: a communicationinterface to send and receive data via a network connection, the dataincluding multimedia content for playback; a memory to storeinstructions and data; and a processor to: search for an availableplayback network and, if available, automatically connect to theplayback network; in an absence of an available network, establish amobile zone, the mobile zone to facilitate multimedia content playbackvia the mobile zone; automatically switch between the playback networkand the mobile zone depending upon availability of the playback networkto provide content playback via the portable playback device; andfacilitate control and playback of content on the playback network viathe portable playback device.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, furthercomprising one or more speaker drivers to output multimedia content. 10.The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a display to outputmultimedia content.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein contentincluding audio tracks is stored in the memory of the apparatus forplayback.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein content includesstreamed audio provided for playback via the apparatus.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein one or more additional playback devicesare also connected to the playback network and wherein content playbackoccurs at the one or more additional playback devices via control fromthe processor.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mobile zonecomprises a wireless ad-hoc network established to facilitatecommunications among a plurality of devices including the apparatus. 15.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is to facilitatesharing of multimedia content among at least one of playback devices andgroups of playback devices associated with the mobile zone.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus further comprises at leastone speaker driver for output of multimedia content and wherein theprocessor is to shape characteristic of sound playback from the at leastone speaker driver based on at least one of an orientation and a settingof the apparatus.
 17. A tangible computer readable storage mediumincluding instructions for execution by a processor, the instructions,when executed by the processor, implementing a portable playback system,the system arranged to: search for an available playback network and, ifavailable, automatically connect to the playback network; in an absenceof an available network, establish a mobile zone, the mobile zone tofacilitate multimedia content playback via the mobile zone;automatically switch between the playback network and the mobile zonedepending upon availability of the playback network to provide contentplayback via the portable playback device; and facilitate control andplayback of content on the playback network via the portable playbackdevice.
 18. The tangible computer readable storage medium of claim 17,wherein one or more additional playback devices are also connected tothe playback network and wherein content playback occurs at the one ormore additional playback devices via control from the processor.
 19. Thetangible computer readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein themobile zone comprises a wireless ad-hoc network established tofacilitate communications among a plurality of devices including theapparatus.
 20. The tangible computer readable storage medium of claim17, wherein the processor is to facilitate sharing of multimedia contentamong at least one of playback devices and groups of playback devicesassociated with the mobile zone.